Schematic representation of D-dimer formation. Activated coagulation results in thrombin formation.
Thrombin cleaves fibrinopeptides A and B (FPA and PPB) from the fibrinogen molecule, turning it
into a fibrin monomer that polymerizes into soluble fibrin. Simultaneously, thrombin activates coagulation
factor XIII (F XIII a), which then stabilizes the soluble fibrin. The activation of plasmin by the tissue-type
plasminogen activator begins fibrin degradation and leads to the generation of D-dimer.